CDL Test Info: Format, Passing Score, Endorsements

Everything you need to know before you walk into the DMV.

The CDL exam isn't one test. It's a sequence of tests — written knowledge tests, plus an in-person skills test once you've held your permit long enough. Here's the breakdown.

The written tests

Every CDL applicant takes the General Knowledge test. From there, the additional tests you take depend on the class of license and the endorsements you want.

General Knowledge

Approximately 50 multiple-choice questions covering vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, safe driving practices, and transporting cargo. Required for both Class A and Class B applicants. You generally need 80% to pass.

Air Brakes

Required if your vehicle has air brakes (most commercial trucks do). About 25 questions covering air brake system components, dual air brake systems, and pre-trip inspection of brakes.

Combination Vehicles

Required for any Class A license. About 25 questions on coupling and uncoupling tractor-trailers, driving combination vehicles safely, and emergency procedures.

Endorsements (optional, but most jobs want at least one)

• H — HAZMAT. ~30 questions. Required to haul hazardous materials. Also requires a TSA background check.
• N — Tanker. ~20 questions. Required to drive liquid- or gas-carrying tank vehicles.
• T — Doubles / Triples. ~20 questions. Required to pull two or three trailers.
• P — Passenger. ~20 questions. Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers.
• S — School Bus. ~20 questions. Required for school bus drivers (in addition to P).
• X — HAZMAT + Tanker combined. Take both H and N tests.

The skills test

After holding your CDL permit for the state-required minimum (usually 14 days), and after completing FMCSA-required ELDT theory training, you can schedule the skills test. It has three parts:

1. Pre-Trip Inspection. A verbal walk-around where you point to and identify components on the vehicle. You're being graded on whether you can demonstrate that you can do a thorough inspection.
2. Basic Vehicle Control. Maneuvers in a closed yard — straight-line backing, offset backing, parallel parking, alley dock.
3. On-Road Driving. A drive on public roads with the examiner. You're graded on safe driving practices, lane control, traffic-sign awareness, and handling intersections.

ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training)

Since February 2022, the FMCSA requires all new CDL applicants to complete ELDT theory training before taking the skills test for Class A, Class B, or any of the H, P, S endorsements. ELDT must be delivered by a training provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR).

ELDT365 is FMCSA-registered and delivers ELDT theory entirely online, so you can complete it at your own pace from home before your skills test.

Passing scores

Most states use 80% as the passing threshold for each section. Each test is graded individually — you don't pass General Knowledge by averaging it out with Air Brakes. You have to pass each section on its own.

What to bring to the DMV

• Proof of identity (typically a state-issued driver's license)
• Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, etc.)
• Social Security card or equivalent documentation
• DOT medical card (Medical Examiner's Certificate)
• Application fee (varies by state, usually $40–$100)
• Your ELDT theory completion certificate (for skills test, not the written)

Requirements vary by state. Always check your state DMV's website before going.

Find a CDL school

If you haven't picked a CDL school yet, CDLSpot lists 4,400+ schools across the U.S. with locations, pricing where available, and reviews.